Quick answer
Seattle's cocktail bars offer a range of experiences, with prices typically between $13 and $24 per cocktail, making it a great city for cocktail enthusiasts. Canon, known for its extensive whiskey selection, stands out as a top recommendation. This guide covers 15 bars that Reddit, food critics, and locals consistently recommend, organized by quality and verified with Google ratings from over 13,000 combined reviews.
- Best overall
- Canon
- Top pick
- Canon
Top verdicts
- Canon: The Willy Wonka of Seattle cocktail bars.
- Zig Zag Cafe: The bar that brought back the Last Word and put Seattle on the craft cocktail map.
- Bathtub Gin & Co.: Seattle's most atmospheric speakeasy.
Area map
1. Canon
All 14 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canon | Whiskey Bar | $20–$24 per cocktail | 928 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 |
| 2 | Zig Zag Cafe | Classic Cocktails | $14–$18 per cocktail | 1501 Western Ave Ste 202, Seattle, WA 98101 |
| 3 | Bathtub Gin & Co. | Speakeasy | $14–$18 per cocktail | 2205 2nd Ave #310, Seattle, WA 98121 |
| 4 | Rob Roy | Craft Cocktails | $16–$24 per cocktail | 2332 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 |
| 5 | Rumba | Rum Bar | $14–$18 per cocktail | 1112 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101 |
| 6 | Tavern Law / Needle & Thread | Speakeasy | $15–$20 per cocktail | 1406 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 |
| 7 | Navy Strength | Tiki / Global | $14–$18 per cocktail | 2505 2nd Ave #102, Seattle, WA 98121 |
| 8 | Percy's & Co. | Prohibition-Style | $15–$17 per cocktail | 5233 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 |
| 9 | Roquette | French-Inspired | $16–$20 per cocktail | 2232 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 |
| 10 | Deep Dive | Upscale Speakeasy | $16–$22 per cocktail | 620 Lenora St, Seattle, WA 98121 |
| 11 | Some Random Bar | Gastropub | $13–$17 per cocktail | 2604 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 |
| 12 | Damn The Weather | Gastropub | $14–$18 per cocktail | 116 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 |
| 13 | Liberty | Cocktails & Sushi | $15–$18 per cocktail | 517 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 |
| 14 | Paper Fan Cocktail Bar | Asian-Inspired | $15–$19 per cocktail | 601 E Pike St Unit 100, Seattle, WA 98122 |
1Canon
Whiskey Bar
Verdict: The Willy Wonka of Seattle cocktail bars.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Whiskey Bar in 928 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
- Strengths
- Known for Whiskey Bar · 928 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
- Price / value
- $20–$24 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The Willy Wonka of Seattle cocktail bars. Canon's encyclopedic spirit collection, theatrical presentations, and consistently excellent drinks have earned it a permanent spot on America's best bars lists.
- What to order
- The Campfire in Georgia is a smoke-filled showstopper with peach and habañero. Or ask the bartender to pick from their 4,000+ spirit collection.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 1 AM
Sat5 PM – 1 AM
Sun5 PM – 12 AM
🌐 Website
“Canon is great. One of the best cocktail bars in the city — the spirit list is absolutely insane.”
— Editor's note
“Canon has been on multiple 'best bars in America' lists, particularly for their whiskey selection.”
— emeraldpalate.com · Best Cocktails in Seattle guide, 2025
2Zig Zag Cafe
Classic Cocktails
Verdict: The bar that brought back the Last Word and put Seattle on the craft cocktail map.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Classic Cocktails in 1501 Western Ave Ste 202, Seattle, WA 98101
- Strengths
- Known for Classic Cocktails · 1501 Western Ave Ste 202, Seattle, WA 98101
- Price / value
- $14–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The bar that brought back the Last Word and put Seattle on the craft cocktail map. Tucked down a staircase near Pike Place Market — a masterclass in understated excellence.
- What to order
- The Last Word — Zig Zag famously revived this Prohibition-era classic (gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino, lime).
🕐 Opening hours
Mon5 PM – 12 AM
Tue5 PM – 12 AM
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 1 AM
Sat5 PM – 1 AM
Sun5 PM – 12 AM
“Zig Zag is probably my favorite cocktail bar in the country. It's a shame I'm not in Seattle anymore.”
— Editor's note
“One of the best cocktail bars in the city is Zig Zag — they literally revived the Last Word cocktail.”
— Editor's note
3Bathtub Gin & Co.
Speakeasy
Verdict: Seattle's most atmospheric speakeasy.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Speakeasy in 2205 2nd Ave #310, Seattle, WA 98121
- Strengths
- Known for Speakeasy · 2205 2nd Ave #310, Seattle, WA 98121
- Price / value
- $14–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- Seattle's most atmospheric speakeasy. Hidden in the basement boiler room of a former hotel — the gin selection is massive and the Prohibition vibe is genuine.
- What to order
- The Bathtub Fizz — house gin with elderflower and champagne. Or any gin-based seasonal cocktail.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon5 PM – 2 AM
Tue5 PM – 2 AM
Wed5 PM – 2 AM
Thu5 PM – 2 AM
Fri5 PM – 2 AM
Sat5 PM – 2 AM
Sun5 PM – 2 AM
“Bathtub Gin is a great speakeasy experience. Hidden basement, great cocktails, cool vibe.”
— Editor's note
“Didn't make it to Bathtub Gin and Zig Zag on this trip but have been before. Both solid choices.”
— Editor's note
4Rob Roy
Craft Cocktails
Verdict: A posh Belltown lounge on 'best bars in America' lists.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Craft Cocktails in 2332 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Strengths
- Known for Craft Cocktails · 2332 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Price / value
- $16–$24 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- A posh Belltown lounge on 'best bars in America' lists. The bartenders are technically brilliant and the atmosphere feels like a sophisticated private club.
- What to order
- The Gunpowder Punch — rum-based with actual gunpowder, both spiced and citrusy.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 PM – 2 AM
Tue4 PM – 2 AM
Wed4 PM – 2 AM
Thu4 PM – 2 AM
Fri4 PM – 2 AM
Sat4 PM – 2 AM
Sun4 PM – 2 AM
🌐 Website
“Rob Roy has also been on a bunch of 'best bars in America' lists. Great dark lounge vibe with serious cocktails.”
— emeraldpalate.com · Best Cocktails in Seattle guide, 2025
“Rob Roy in Belltown is excellent. Dark, posh, incredible cocktails.”
— Editor's note
5Rumba
Rum Bar
Verdict: Seattle's temple of rum.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Rum Bar in 1112 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Strengths
- Known for Rum Bar · 1112 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Price / value
- $14–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- Seattle's temple of rum. 200+ bottles and a sophisticated 1950s island vibe that transforms rum from a spring break spirit into serious craft.
- What to order
- Ask the bartender to build something from their 200+ rum collection. Try the jerk chicken sliders.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue5 PM – 12 AM
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 1 AM
Sat5 PM – 1 AM
Sun5 PM – 12 AM
“My favorites were: Needle & Thread, Foreign National, Rumba. Rumba's rum collection is unreal.”
— Editor's note
“Rumba on Pike is the best rum bar in the Pacific Northwest, hands down.”
— Editor's note
6Tavern Law / Needle & Thread
Speakeasy
Verdict: Two bars in one.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Speakeasy in 1406 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
- Strengths
- Known for Speakeasy · 1406 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
- Price / value
- $15–$20 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- Two bars in one. Upstairs: beautiful vintage cocktail lounge. Downstairs: Needle & Thread, Seattle's best hidden speakeasy — reservation required, no menu.
- What to order
- Upstairs at Tavern Law: classic old fashioned. Downstairs at Needle & Thread: the bartender's choice — no menu, nightly rotation.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 1 AM
Sat5 PM – 1 AM
Sun5 PM – 12 AM
“Tavern Law is also pretty good. But Needle & Thread beneath Tavern Law is the best hidden bar in Seattle.”
— Editor's note
“Needle & Thread is one of the best cocktail experiences in Seattle. Hidden beneath Tavern Law, reservation only.”
— Editor's note
8Percy's & Co.
Prohibition-Style
Verdict: Ballard's best cocktail bar.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Prohibition-Style in 5233 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
- Strengths
- Known for Prohibition-Style · 5233 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
- Price / value
- $15–$17 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- Ballard's best cocktail bar. Herb-forward Prohibition-era aesthetics with southern-inspired comfort food — the kind of neighborhood bar where everyone feels welcome.
- What to order
- The Cilantro Gimlet — cilantro-infused gin, Lillet blanc, lime, and cucumber.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 PM – 11 PM
Thu5 PM – 11 PM
Fri5 PM – 12 AM
Sat4 PM – 12 AM
Sun4 PM – 10 PM
“Percy's & Co. is one of my local watering holes. Everyone I've brought here loves it. Herb-forward, Prohibition-style cocktails.”
— emeraldpalate.com · Best Cocktails in Seattle guide, 2025
“Percy's in Ballard is excellent for cocktails. Great vibe, great food too.”
— Editor's note
9Roquette
French-Inspired
Verdict: A French-inspired hideaway that feels like a Parisian bar dropped into Belltown.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- French-Inspired in 2232 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Strengths
- Known for French-Inspired · 2232 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Price / value
- $16–$20 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- A French-inspired hideaway that feels like a Parisian bar dropped into Belltown. Small, intimate, and one of the most romantic cocktail bars in Seattle.
- What to order
- The absinthe drip or any French-inspired seasonal cocktail. Pair with charcuterie.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 1 AM
Sat5 PM – 1 AM
Sun5 PM – 11 PM
🌐 Website
“Roquette is a hidden gem. French-inspired cocktails in a tiny, cozy space. One of Belltown's best.”
— Editor's note
“Nothing buzzes quite like Roquette.”
— Thrillist · Best Bars in Seattle guide, 2025
10Deep Dive
Upscale Speakeasy
Verdict: Vintage-chic speakeasy with upscale European bar snacks.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Upscale Speakeasy in 620 Lenora St, Seattle, WA 98121
- Strengths
- Known for Upscale Speakeasy · 620 Lenora St, Seattle, WA 98121
- Price / value
- $16–$22 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- Vintage-chic speakeasy with upscale European bar snacks. Feels like a members' club but welcomes everyone. Strong martini game.
- What to order
- The house martini. European bar snacks — smoked salmon toast, marinated olives — pair perfectly.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 PM – 12 AM
Tue4 PM – 12 AM
Wed4 PM – 12 AM
Thu4 PM – 12 AM
Fri4 PM – 1 AM
Sat4 PM – 1 AM
Sun4 PM – 11 PM
“Deep Dive is excellent. Great cocktails and upscale bar snacks in a posh speakeasy setting.”
— Editor's note
“Deep Dive, Roquette, The Nest — Seattle's cocktail scene is genuinely world-class.”
— Yelp · Top 14 Best High End Bar in Seattle, 2026
11Some Random Bar
Gastropub
Verdict: The name is a joke.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Gastropub in 2604 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Strengths
- Known for Gastropub · 2604 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Price / value
- $13–$17 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The name is a joke. The bar is dead serious. Craft cocktails and excellent New American food in brick-walled Belltown — effortlessly cool.
- What to order
- The seasonal cocktail menu rotates frequently — ask what's new. Small plates are legitimately great.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 PM – 12 AM
Tue4 PM – 12 AM
Wed4 PM – 12 AM
Thu4 PM – 12 AM
Fri4 PM – 2 AM
Sat12 PM – 2 AM
Sun12 PM – 12 AM
🌐 Website
“Some Random Bar — 2604 1st Ave. Just south of the Space Needle. Both the food and cocktails are worth the visit.”
— Editor's note
“Some Random Bar has consistently great cocktails and the food is way better than it needs to be.”
— Editor's note
12Damn The Weather
Gastropub
Verdict: Pioneer Square's anchor cocktail bar.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Gastropub in 116 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
- Strengths
- Known for Gastropub · 116 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
- Price / value
- $14–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- Pioneer Square's anchor cocktail bar. Rotating craft cocktails with genuinely excellent upscale American food. The brunch is one of Seattle's best-kept secrets.
- What to order
- Seasonal cocktails change regularly. The fried chicken and bone marrow toast are permanent highlights.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon11 AM – 12 AM
Tue11 AM – 12 AM
Wed11 AM – 12 AM
Thu11 AM – 12 AM
Fri11 AM – 1 AM
Sat10 AM – 1 AM
Sun10 AM – 12 AM
“Deadline and Damn The Weather down in Pioneer Square are excellent. Great food, great drinks, great vibes.”
— Editor's note
“Damn The Weather is always solid. Great cocktails, great food, Pioneer Square vibes.”
— Editor's note
13Liberty
Cocktails & Sushi
Verdict: The most unexpected combo in Seattle: world-class cocktails AND excellent sushi.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Cocktails & Sushi in 517 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Strengths
- Known for Cocktails & Sushi · 517 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Price / value
- $15–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The most unexpected combo in Seattle: world-class cocktails AND excellent sushi. Capitol Hill's highest-rated bar — 4.7 stars — for good reason.
- What to order
- Start with a craft cocktail, then dive into the sushi menu. Fresh-juice cocktails paired with quality nigiri.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon12 PM – 12 AM
Tue12 PM – 12 AM
Wed12 PM – 12 AM
Thu12 PM – 12 AM
Fri12 PM – 1 AM
Sat12 PM – 1 AM
Sun12 PM – 11 PM
“Liberty is amazing — cocktails AND sushi, and both are genuinely great. Highest rated bar on Capitol Hill.”
— emeraldpalate.com · Best Cocktails in Seattle guide, 2025
“Liberty on 15th is the move. Great cocktails, great sushi, modern-rustic space with couches.”
— Editor's note
14Paper Fan Cocktail Bar
Asian-Inspired
Verdict: The newcomer making waves on Capitol Hill.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Asian-Inspired in 601 E Pike St Unit 100, Seattle, WA 98122
- Strengths
- Known for Asian-Inspired · 601 E Pike St Unit 100, Seattle, WA 98122
- Price / value
- $15–$19 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The newcomer making waves on Capitol Hill. Asian-inspired cocktails with shochu, sake, and Japanese whisky — small, intimate, and genuinely special.
- What to order
- Asian-inspired cocktails with shochu, sake, and Japanese whisky. Ask the bartender for the current favorite.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue5 PM – 12 AM
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 1 AM
Sat5 PM – 1 AM
Sun5 PM – 11 PM
“Paper Fan Cocktail Bar is the new hotness on Capitol Hill. Asian-inspired cocktails done right.”
— Yelp · Top 14 Best High End Bar in Seattle, 2026
“Paper Fan is tiny but incredible. The Japanese whisky cocktails are some of the best in the city.”
— Editor's note
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cocktail bar in Seattle?
Canon on Capitol Hill is widely considered Seattle's best cocktail bar, with a 4,000+ spirit collection and theatrical presentations. Zig Zag Cafe near Pike Place Market is the bartender's pick — they famously revived the Last Word cocktail.
Are there speakeasy bars in Seattle?
Yes — several excellent ones. Bathtub Gin & Co. in Belltown is hidden in a hotel basement. Needle & Thread beneath Tavern Law on Capitol Hill requires a reservation. Deep Dive in South Lake Union has a vintage speakeasy vibe.
What neighborhoods are best for bar-hopping in Seattle?
Capitol Hill has the highest density of quality cocktail bars (Canon, Rumba, Inside Passage, Tavern Law, Liberty, Paper Fan). Belltown is second with Rob Roy, Bathtub Gin, Navy Strength, Roquette, and Some Random Bar — all walkable.
How much do cocktails cost in Seattle?
Most craft cocktails in Seattle range from $14–$20. Canon is the priciest at $20–$24 per drink, while Some Random Bar and Damn The Weather offer excellent cocktails in the $13–$17 range.
What is the best tiki bar in Seattle?
Inside Passage on Capitol Hill is Seattle's best tiki bar. From the same team as Rumba, it features a giant octopus, fanciful decor, and serious rum-based cocktails. Navy Strength in Belltown also has strong tiki influences.
Do Seattle cocktail bars serve food?
Most do. Damn The Weather, Some Random Bar, and Percy's & Co. all have full food menus. Liberty uniquely combines craft cocktails with an excellent sushi program. Canon also serves globally-inspired bites.
What is the Last Word cocktail and where was it revived?
The Last Word is a Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. It was forgotten for decades until bartender Murray Stenson revived it at Zig Zag Cafe in Seattle around 2004, sparking a global renaissance.